Executions 1724-1872

Background

The Manx customary criminal code was a very severe
one. Thus, thefts of the value of sixpence or more were accounted felony, and
were punished by death. The result of this was that juries were wont to find
that the value of the goods stolen did not amount to that sum. With a view to
putting a stop to this practice, it was enacted, in 1629, that all sheep-stealing
and "stealing and cutting of bee hives in gardens," whatever the value of the
goods stolen, was felony, and that various other thefts of the same kind, but
apparently considered as being of a less serious nature, were also felony, if
above the value of sixpence, while for thefts below that value the offenders
were to be whipped " or set upon a wooden horse." To ensure convictions on such
charges " the most sufficient men in the Parishes," i.e., the men of most substance,
were to be chosen as jurors. Such sanguinary legislation would naturally become
almost a dead letter, and that it was so is shown by the paucity of the death
sentences recorded.

1654 William Kerruish and Robert Callow - Malew parish reg - most of those
executed were it seems buried in Malew.

The hangman could well have been someone awaiting execution - in Lib Plac can be found
the following by Earl James

Dated 22 May 1714

Whereas John Curlett of my Isle of Man stands
indicted and convicted by the laws there for murdering
of a bastard child and for his said crime now lyes
under sentence of death. These are thereby
to authorize and require you to see that execution
be speedily doine according to the said sentence.
Nevertheless if the said John Curlett should rather
chuse to hang Nelly Clucas, whom by an order bearing
date herewith is for murdering of her own child to be
executed then it is my will and pleasure
and doe hereby give and grant full and free
pardon for the murder by him comitted and for which
he now stands convicted, and doe hereby free & acquitt
him the said John Curlett from all penaltys and
forfeitures unto which by the laws of my Island he is
lyable for the said murder. Given under my hand
and seal at Halnaker the 22d day of May 1714.
Derby
To the Governair of my Isle of Man
or in his absence to the deputy
usul there and other my officers
whom these may concern

along with this was also the order to hang Ellinor Clucas

List

Execution

CLUCAS

Ellin

Ellin Clucas als Kirmeen - Malew Burials - who was hanged for murdering her own child but made an open confession
of her crime and died penitentiously

2 Jul 1714

WILSON

Robert

Counterfeiting (Treason) - Malew Burials - of Newtown in the North of Ireland, for bringing pewter half-crowns &
shillings into this island & passing three of those shillings

17 Jul 1724

QUIRK

John

Theft - Malew Burials - John Quirk born in Jurby, who was hanged for house breaking

17 Jul 1724

QUARK

Ann

Malew Burials - of Douglas, wife of one Peter Moony, for murdering 2 of her bastard children which she said were twins,
...and denying the fact was buried near the gallows the same day

3 Feb 1726/7

KEWLEY

John

Malew Burials - of Ballaugh, who was hanged the 16th June for theft, was buried in Malew Church the same morning